Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Gas prices brings new interest in MTU

La Crosse MTU patrons get off the route one bus to downtown Tuesday at the bus depot at 5th Ave. and State Street. PETER THOMSON photo

By DAN SPRINGER | La Crosse Tribune

Record high gas prices may not be spurring record use of La Crosse’s bus system, but ridership numbers are up, the head of the city’s Municipal Transit Utility said Tuesday.

MTU has seen steady growth in riders for the past six years, and 2008 numbers continue that trend, with a slight uptick over last year, Transit Manager Keith Carlson said during the taping of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Newsmakers” program Tuesday.

“Last year, our ridership was up 7 percent,” Carlson said. “Through April, we are up 3 percent when compared with the same time a year earlier.”

As gas prices climbed to $4 a gallon, MTU has received an increasing number of calls from people asking about how to use the service, Carlson said. The key now, he said, is to find a way to make these people comfortable so they continue to be riders.

“There’s some fear factor for people. They may have never ridden the bus, are not sure how the system works. They’re not sure where the bus will go or where they should get off,” Carlson said. “We’re really focusing on customer service so we can retain those new people who are riding the bus.”

Carlson admits the service is underutilized, and he places much of the blame on the country’s love affair with the automobile — people choosing convenience over what is better economically and environmentally.

Until people accept high gas prices are here to stay, Carlson said, they will not make any real serious changes in how they get around. That is why Carlson urges people to use the bus instead of running a second car, or to send their kids to school on the bus rather than drive them.

Carlson said the city is ready to move forward with construction of a new transit center at Third and Jay Street.

The city is expected to award a construction contract this week so work can begin in August and be completed by fall 2009.

Carlson said the transit center will make it more comfortable, convenient and safe for riders who are transferring or loading onto buses.

“Newsmakers” airs at 8:30 a.m. Monday on WLSU 88.9 FM.

Dan Springer can be reached at (608) 791-8269 or dspringer@lacrossetribune.com.